Argentina's position in the 2025 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), published last week by Transparency International, reveals a significant drop in the country's perceived public sector integrity. Scoring 36 out of 100 and ranked 104th out of 182 countries, this decline is not merely a statistical anomaly but indicates a broader deterioration in institutional quality and the credibility of state control mechanisms. The data clearly suggests a troubling trend for Argentina’s governance.

Historically, Argentina's CPI scores have fluctuated, with the period from 2017 to 2019 marking its best recent performance. However, the overall trend since then has been primarily negative, echoing levels similar to those recorded in 2016. The decline since 2019 is particularly concerning, emphasizing a sustained regression that highlights ongoing challenges within the country's institutions that undermine efforts against corruption.

This decline in the CPI can be interpreted as a wake-up call for Argentine authorities and society at large. As perceptions of corruption continue to impact governance, public trust, and foreign investment, urgent reforms and a stronger commitment to transparency and accountability will be necessary to reverse these negative trends and restore confidence in governmental institutions.